Coast Guard: Ship runs aground at Astoria

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ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard says a 739-foot cargo ship anchored at Astoria ran aground in the Columbia River when the crew tried to change positions in the river without authorization from the bar pilot guiding it.

The Coast Guard said the Panamanian-flagged Mokpo Star floated free with the incoming tide Tuesday night and was safely anchored for an inspection to determine whether the hull was damaged.

The vessel holds an estimated 532,000 gallons of diesel fuel oil. The Coast Guard said there were no reports of pollution. The ship had no cargo and was awaiting orders to head upriver to Kalama, Wash.